Cleaning and sanitising are two different jobs. Cleaning removes soil: fat, protein, sugar, food debris and scale. Sanitising reduces bacteria and other microorganisms on a surface that has already been cleaned. A sanitiser applied to a dirty surface is held back by the soil and cannot do its job, so sanitising always comes after cleaning and rinsing.
Evochem manufactures several types of food-contact surface sanitiser, because plants, kitchens and packing areas have different needs. This page explains when each type fits. In every case, use the dilution on the label, and read the MSDS before use.
Clean first, then sanitise
Remove food debris and gross soil.
Clean with a detergent suited to the soil.
Rinse off the detergent and loosened soil.
Apply the sanitiser at the label dilution to the cleaned surface.
Let the surface drain or air-dry, or rinse if the label or your site procedure requires it.
Keep cleaned and sanitised equipment protected until use.
Quat sanitiser for routine surfaces
Sanix Quat is a clear, quaternary ammonium sanitiser for pre-cleaned surfaces in food production, at 0.1% to 0.5% (1 ml to 5 ml per litre of water). It suits routine sanitising of tables, utensils, equipment and COP parts.
Peracetic acid sanitiser for circuits and high-level sanitation
Sanix Peraxy is an oxidising sanitiser made with peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, used at 0.1% to 3% v/v depending on the volume. It is the usual choice after CIP and where a high level of sanitation is needed on pre-cleaned surfaces. Handle the concentrate with the PPE shown on the MSDS.
Chlorine tablets for kitchens and vegetables
Blaze Tab gives a measured dose without handling liquid concentrate: 1 tablet in 5 litres of water for general sanitisation of food-contact surfaces and equipment, and 1 tablet in 20 litres for vegetables. It suits commercial kitchens and smaller prep areas.
Alcohol-based sanitiser for quick, dry use
Sanixol combines alcohol with a quaternary ammonium compound and is ready to use. It leaves no residue and needs no rinsing, so it suits quick sanitising of clean, dry surfaces between tasks, such as packing tables, slicers and scales.
Cleaner-sanitisers: when one step is enough
Sanix Duo combines detergent and quaternary ammonium sanitiser for lightly soiled areas, working in hard water at 2% to 5%. Chlorox Foam is a chlorinated alkaline foam that cleans and sanitises in one step during daily open plant cleaning. Heavily soiled surfaces still need a separate clean before sanitising.
Sanix DuoHigh Performance Cleaner cum SanitizerVersatile detergent cum sanitizer for food, beverage, and dairy industries. Combines quaternary ammonium biocides, surfactants, and sequestering agents for exceptional cleaning and antibacterial efficacy, even in hard water. Removes tough soils and kills a broad spectrum of bacteria.
Chlorox FoamChlorinated Alkaline CleanerChlorinated alkaline cleaner with high chlorine concentration, ideal for daily cleaning in the food industry. Its exceptional foaming ability effectively removes various soils in food processing, meat, dairy, and vegetable processing. Functions as a 2-in-1 cleaner and sanitizer.
Safe use
Follow the label dilution: a stronger solution is not a better one.
Never mix chlorine-based products with acids or with other chemicals.
Prepare fresh solutions as your procedure specifies.
Keep the MSDS at the point of use and train staff on PPE.
Talk to our technical team
Tell us about your site, soils, equipment and volumes. We will recommend products and dilutions, and send pricing for bulk supply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cleaning and sanitising?
Cleaning removes visible soil such as fat, protein and food debris. Sanitising reduces microorganisms on a surface that is already clean.
Can a sanitiser be used on a dirty surface?
No. Soil uses up the sanitiser and stops it reaching the surface, so clean and rinse the surface first. Combined cleaner-sanitisers suit only lightly soiled areas.
Which sanitiser is used after CIP?
Peracetic acid sanitisers such as Sanix Peraxy are commonly circulated after the final rinse of a CIP cycle, at the label dilution.
Do I need to rinse after sanitising?
Sanixol is designed to be used without rinsing. For other sanitisers, follow the label and your site’s food safety procedure.
How do I sanitise vegetables?
Blaze Tab is used at 1 tablet in 20 litres of water for vegetable sanitisation. Wash vegetables in clean water first to remove soil.